sleevediva

Have you heard of the pouch re-set diet? Basically starting from scratch, week one liquids, week two full liquids, week three purée and so on. I have heard this helps the pouch get used to eating smaller amounts. Not sure if if shrinks back down but psychologically it probably puts you back in the mindframe you were in when you first started.

My husband is two weeks post op and currently on the clear liquid diet, moving on to full liquids. He has been having an extremely hard time with getting Protein in.
We've been looking into alternatives and found protein pills. I understand he is not to have pills but can have chewable. I'm wondering if anyone has had success with any sort of chewable protein pills in this stage of the game.
Any suggestions would be helpful.

Okay, I did read the whole post. I have to say that I am proud that you are reaching out because a part of you knows that you are making some seriously bad decisions. You apparently have some issues in your personal life that need to be addressed with a therapist and I wish you the best of success with that. You have been given some very good advice on here and everything is up to you. There are some things you can do to make your new life a success irregardless of where you live or how well you can cook. If you are in a college setting I am sure there are plenty of people around you that can help you with the cooking tips. If not, we are here for you. Just ask there is enough good cooks and supportive people on here that will walk you through your cooking. You have heard this enough times but I am going to say it again. Stay away from the sliders! They are mentally anguishing you and probably stalling your weight loss. On top of that they make you crave them more to the point of driving a sleever crazy.........me included!! I am going to give you some easy quick foods that can be purchased to fill you up and I am inviting everyone else to add to that list.
Beef Jerky
cheese Stick
Hard boiled eggs (You can buy these preboiled at the grocery store)
Summer sausage
tuna
chicken salad
almonds
Premier Protein shakes
SF Jello (not in the shot form )
rotisserie chicken,
fish from the deli
Subway chopped salad
greek yogurt
fruit melons and berries
These are just a few but I hope others will add to this list. My heart goes out to you and I truly do hope you get the help you need. Remember your therapist by law can not share your information with your mother and if they do then get a new one! Be kind to yourself and you can start with changing your name on here. You are worth something and we all think so!!

I have to agree with what most people are saying, which is that you should stop blaming outside circumstances that could be changed and instead look inward, being very blunt and realistic with yourself.
Alcohol should not be consumed by people who have had a sleeve for ideally 6 months to one year after surgery. There is a special digestive enzyme in your stomach that processes alcohol. Since 85% of your stomach has been removed, there is very little of that enzyme (if any) to process alcohol. You could actually end up with alcohol poisoning and be in the hospital getting your stomach pumped.
If Cereal is a "trigger" food (a food that you can't seem to stop eating once you start) then don't buy it. There are a ton of things that I just can't buy because I know I can't control myself and I will eat all of it! Grocery stores sell pre-cooked chickens, usually for $5. If you want something quick and easy, you could get a chicken and eat off of that for a few days. Also, Protein shakes with milk will give you Protein and what your body needs to feel full. I tried Isopure Water for the first time today. It smells kinda weird but tastes OK... and dang, it filled me up. I'm actually burping! (TMI)
Support groups work when you work the program. Do you think it would be acceptable for an alcoholic to attend an AA meeting if they just kept drinking and drinking, week after week, year after year? Just going will not help someone until they actually hit rock bottom and make the decision to stop. The point is, it is horribly difficult... horribly horribly difficult to stop eating... (I am literally fighting it every minute of the day) but it is something you have to fight just like any other addict.
Your stomach is not likely stretched all the way out, but you could be doing damage to your insides. Your hair is falling out because you are not consuming nutrients. The majority of people who get a VGS will have hair fall out - this is because your body is working to keep the more important parts of your body working (like internal organs and muscles) and ignores things like hair, nails, and skin.
I've noticed in a lot of your posts you mention things you can't do, such as not being able to cook. I can't cook either, and that was a big fear of mine. So, what am I going to do? I'm going to sign up for cooking classes. In the meantime, I look up stuff on youtube that looks basic enough for someone who can burn water! My nutritionist gave me smoothie recipes that use frozen fruit and yogurt. The frozen fruit doesn't go bad for ages (cuz it's frozen) and the yogurt isn't anything fancy. Then I just add Protein powder and put it in a blender. It literally takes 5 minutes and you can't screw it up.
To conclude, it's easy for anyone to tell you what to do; however, you sound very depressed on top of everything else, so anything people tell you to do will seem unrealistic. I have been through therapy myself and was on antidepressants from the time I was 15 up until last year when I finally got good therapy (I'm 33 now). So, I do understand depression... everyone is just like, "Well... don't be sad. Think positive." Gee.... why didn't I think of that? I'm cured! haha. The point I'm trying to make is, PLEASE reach out for help... either to your primary doctor to work with you on getting the correct type of medication for you, or to a licensed therapist that can help you through this. If you can work through some of these issues in a non-judgmental environment, you will feel more positive about your outlook in life, then things kind of click into place slowly but surely.

Self sabotage is a tricky thing. I know, that when I have the symptoms of HALT(Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired), I can sabotage myself without even realizing it. And not just food. It sounds like you may be following a similar path of the F*-its.
I know this is going to come across as judgemental, but please know that it is not. I just don't have the literary skills to be as tactful as you (and other readers) may like, but know that my response is based in concern and love.
You know the guidelines, but are ignoring them. You know you are not supposed to have liquids with meals, but alas ... Cereal with milk ... sure. You are going to be able to eat a ton of that because it is not going to sit in your stomach. But you know this ... and you still you cry that the sleeve is not working for you. Cookies with Water ... well ... what did you really expect?
You have expectations for the sleeve which are not real. Everything you have heard about the sleeve is true, but what you did not listen to is that you are going to have to be a participant in this, too. The sleeve will help you move mountains, for sure, but you know what? You need to bring your own shovel, too.
Sorry for the tough love, but if you really want this to work, then get to work. If you want change, then make a change.

I've never thrown up..... I have an eating disorder. I got the sleeve to help with it. But I have to do my part too.
I have to stick to dense Proteins to keep me full.
I have to stay away from slider foods.
I have to exhibit SELF CONTROL.
The sleeve will not jump out of your stomach and knock that **** out of your hand!
You have to take personal responsibility!

The sleeve will not change your self destructive ways. Going to a therapist that deals in addictive behaviors might be a good thing for you...

Did you see the post a while back where a poster said that a woman from her support group gained all her weight back in 6 months because she used a straw? Seriously. It was the funniest thing I have ever read on here!
Um....no I'm pretty darn sure something else was going in her mouth besides a straw!

That only idiots w/ no self control and willpower have to have surgery. And only the truly insane would go out of the country for surgery.
(Can't believe they let me have a laptop here in the asylum! Muahahahahaha!!!)

Losing less than 40 pounds a month makes you a "slow loser"
You can never have coffee.. ever again.
You can never have soda.. ever again. If you do the bubbles will stretch out your stomach.
You have to take special chewable vitamins and supplements that cost tons of money.
You have to take Protein Drinks for the rest of your life.
If you are stalled it is likely because you are eating too many calories, too few calories, too little Protein, too many carbs, too few carbs, too little Water, too much fat, not enough fat, not enough Gummy bears or whatever.

On a serious note (sorry guys) cross addiction is very real and is something to be aware of EVEN if you never had a drinking problem before.
Don't be scared, be aware and go into this surgery with information and a support system
(Counseling) in place..
Ok back to the fun and games

That if you bend over after eating, you will throw up.
Everyone needs plastic surgery after WLS
A two week preop diet is a must to shrink the liver.
Everybody gets a catheter.
Sex always gets better- haha

That getting in all your Protein, taking Biotin or washing your hair with nioxin will keep you from losing your hair. NOT!

That you can only lose 55-75% of your excess body weight. I'm currently at 104% so Don't you believe it!! = D

That you cant take ibuprofen for the rest of your life
That you cant give blood for the rest of your life
That the procedure is new

And ... it's easy. NOT
And ... the weight just melts off. NOT
And ... if you don't advertise your WLS you're a liar or embarrassed. NOT
And ... everyone should compare themselves with others weight loss . NOT

Empty calories aside.... I find no reason to not enjoy a drink from time to time but 2 weeks out is a bit too early. Your staple line is healig and alcohol acts as a blood thinner and can cause bleeding which isnt good for our healing stomachs, wait a bit longer ..... I am having a drink right now as I type this, I was about 5 months out before trying it

Well if that's all the worry than I'm fine because I still want my curves and don't want to get to skinny I'm a size 12 so in no hurry to lose more ! I do go to the gym 4 times a week to tone and follow all the liquid and soft food diet !

Planning my meals and sticking to my plan.
Drinking my Water.

WLS Do’s and Don’ts

DO remove the word ONLY from your vocabulary. Ex: I’ve ONLY lost 10 Lbs in 2 weeks… Now let’s look at this again without the word ONLY: I’ve lost 10 Lbs in 2 weeks!! See what I mean? Perception is reality folks!!

DON’T assume you’ll never eat all of your favorite foods again. This is just an excuse your brain has designed to allow you to indulge. You WILL eat all your favorites again someday, just much less but find it to me more enjoyable. Which leads directly into the next:

DON’T do the “last meal” syndrome. You will only sabotage your weight loss you might have pre-surgery or set you back further from your ultimate goal post-op. This surgery is very serious and is for the serious minded. Use this time wisely to get the feeling of how life might be like post op.

DO learn all of the rules pre-op that you will endure post-op. Such as, no drinking with meals, using smaller utensils and plates, engaging in some type of workout routine, limiting your sugar and sodium intake, joining as many WLS support groups as you can.

DO Celebrate every single pound lost! Imagine one pound of butter. Yeah… that’s gone from your body forever. It is noteworthy and worth every bit of a pat on the back as any others that may go along with it.

DON’T compare your successes and losses to others. Chances are very high that you will only come out on the short end and only find yourself disappointed. Everyone’s journeys are their own…

DO keep track of your losses in many different ways than just the scale! Examples:

DO keep one set of your largest clothes you’ve ever worn. Make it a point to try them on, especially when you’re having a down moment. You will find this will really pick up your spirits! This is a real rollercoaster of a ride, and anything that will keep you positive is what you should do!

DON'T keep any other fat clothes around. Get rid of them ASAP. You're never going to fit them again, right? So... off to donations they go.

DO take photos of yourself just before your surgery. Keep them close. Again, having a bad day? Look at them and compare them. As a matter of fact, take photos of yourself often. You will also find that the more you lose, the more you will want to take pictures. Nothing wrong with that!!! That goes with celebrating your losses.

DO take measurements of yourself often. Keeping track of all your inches lost will really keep you on the right track when your scale is being stubborn!!

DO reward yourself every time you hit a mini goal. Make some more worthy than others. I like to go shopping when I hit a goal, it is my favorite thing to do now.

DON’T let the scale define you. Great majority of us will endure many fluctuations and stalls in this journey. It is what it is… patience is the key here. Meditate and envision yourself months down the road at your goal. Smile, then move on!!

DO find out about measuring body fat! It’s more than just weight loss, FAT LOSS is the real goal here. Keep in mind that the BMI scale is greatly inaccurate and most Health Studies do prove this. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE) our body fat % ranges should be average: 25-31% for Women and 18-24% for men. Any higher is considered obese. However it does go more in depth, according to ages and more. Everyone has different genetic make ups, frame sizes and fitness levels... even a different ethnicity can post differences.

DO have many goals in sight. Having only one, especially a simple weight goal you will find can be difficult. Have many MINI goals along your journey, and more than just ones that involve the scale. Such as, clothing size goals, body fat% goals, fitness or workout goals, dietary goals, etc…

DO challenge yourself always!! Whether it’s a global challenge with others, or personal challenges... It will keep you motivated and always willing to go further than you ever thought you could!

DO have a mentor! Find someone that you can trust and confide in, and that you know has “been there”. Preferably someone you know in person. You will find many folks in your life who have been there, for obesity is worldwide now and there are so many who have been able to defeat this demon. It’s not easy! It quite literally is the toughest feat I’ve ever had to endure. I can say this too, my job will never be done. This is for life!
DON'T believe the myth that your tool has an expiration date. Yes, it's true you will lose the most weight in the first year and it's also true that the further out you are and the closer you are to goal, the harder it is to lose. However, as long as you keep up with your healthy eating and fitness routines you will continue to lose weight and / or keep it off in the many years post op. It all boils down to calories in vs. calories out.
DON'T believe the myth that having WLS will keep the weight off forever. That is our individual responsibility.

And finally…

DON’T ever beat yourself up! We all make mistakes, and dare I say not one person on this Earth is perfect. I try hard to be, no doubt! I always admit that I’m a perfectionist – but I’m far from perfect. I just try to be… The only thing you can do is pick yourself up, give yourself a pep talk, perhaps contact your mentor for reassurance and move on!!! Again, this is for life. Every day you wake up is a second chance.

DO look for solutions to your problems. Otherwise they will just become excuses.


DON’T EVER GIVE UP! I don’t think any explanation is necessary here.

DON'T expect the scale to post a loss every single day. As a matter of fact, don't expect it to move that much even weekly! Just keep doing all the right things and the scale will move in the right direction when it needs to.

DO expect to see fluctuations on the scale, both down AND up. DON'T lose your head over it either. This isn't a miracle cure and the weight isn't going to magically disappear in a few weeks. You have to keep pushing with healthy eating, some type of workout and getting plenty of Fluid.

DON'T let the scale define your journey when there are so many pieces to that puzzle!!!



Good luck to all of you. This journey is a tough one, but if you are here, then you believed in yourself enough to give yourself the life you’ve always dreamed of. YOU WILL BE successful. Always keep that in mind.

Add-ons by other experienced sleevers:

DO keep a list of NSV (Non scale victories) to reflect on when times are getting hard. Can you walk up 2 extra flights of stairs before getting winded? Cross your legs?" and

"DO NOT be afraid to change things if they aren't working. Stalls happen even gains happen. If you are on a long stall look at your eating and decided if changes need to be made. Utilize your tool!" -- Southern Sleever

DO: Keep a food diary of what you eat and drink. This is a great learning tool as to which foods have what amounts of fat, Protein and carbs that add up to your daily intake goals. There are many ways to diary your food - from old fashioned pen and notebook to many options via smartphone apps. Keeping one is the important thing - however is right for you. I use mine now to look back for meal ideas when I hit a blank as to what to prepare for a day or a week.

DO: Realize this is not a diet to be followed for a while then set aside. This is a permanent lifestyle change. Yes, the amount of food you eat will increase as time passes, but your relationship with food will be forever altered. How you Celebrate your joys, successes and holidays will be different. How you mourn your sorrows will be different. Some people need outside help to get through the sometimes overwhelming mental changes this process brings. If you need help with this part of the deal- reach out and get it. -- SKCUNNINGHAM

DO roll with the punches!! -- fern

All righty then, time for us to compile our favorite posts about Stalls and Plateaus so we can help all who come here wondering why they are stalled, and for those of us who think we know it all, to maybe learn something new too.
Would you contribute yours? Once we have a few, I'll compile it into one big list and who knows, maybe they'll pin it here?
Only problem is, as soon as they pin it, conversation on this forum will probably drop to half of what it currently is (Yes that was cheeky, yes I should be ashamed of myself, no I am not.). Did I need to re-read these myself this morning? Yes, I did.
Articles I found helpful:
Even Gastric Bypass Patients hit weight-loss plateaus
Weight Loss Stall or Plateau
Weight Loss Stalls & Plateaus
Carmelita's Denoument
Dr. Simpson's 10 Commandments
Of Whooshes & Squishy Fat
A new look at weight loss plateaus
A predictable cycle of weight loss
Stalling at 10% of body weight loss
What are some of your favorite posts or articles on Stalls?
Edit: added a few more

I feel the need to stir up the hornet's nest today, been too quiet. I have noticed lately a lot of people (typically newer folks, but some further down the road, too) saying they just want to "be normal." Then they go on to say they want to eat whatever they want, often modifying it with "small amounts," "in moderation," or other caveats. Also, it seems that "whatever they want" always seems to include junk foods, cake, chips, or soda or other high calorie/low nutrition items. You rarely see a post about someone wanting to eat "normally" so they can feast on asparagus and Brussel sprouts.
Here is my question to everyone:
Discounting teenage boys, do you really know anyone naturally thin that eats that type of food whenever they want?
Now, I don't claim to know everything, but personally I don't know any thin people (who have always been at a normal weight) that eat crap on a regular basis, in moderation or not. The thin people I know think about what they eat. They have Lean Cuisines for lunch or a salad, if they have dessert (rarely) they share it, they never eat in secret or binge or hide food, and they usually have some form of regular exercise, even if it's just walking the dog. They have smaller portions, and yes, they will enjoy big meals at family occasions and holidays, but those are events that occur only a few times a year.
I know we'll have some folks answer back that their whoever eats whatever they want and is thin, but really, what do they eat? Do they eat bags of chips, several sodas every day, fried food, piles of mashed potatoes or french fries? Do they go through a bag of Cookies in a sitting?
So, food for thought - what exactly is normal eating and are our expectations appropriate?

A disquieting article.
http://www.today.com/health/200-pound-anorexic-obese-teens-risk-disorder-its-often-unrecognized-4B11216388

I got called a skinny b***h last week. I took it as a compliment!

Well, after reading the study info that Laura provided I feel better. I'm a little over three years. I just ate my dinner which started with a plate of salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes lettuce and 3 ounces of chicken which at the time seems edible. I ate MAYBE a fourth of it and about 1 1/2 ounces of the chicken on top.
I can't imagine that just suddenly in the next year and a half ALL this restriction is going to have disappeared. I did gain over 25 lbs ( which I have almost completely lost less 2.5 pounds) but it WASN'T because of the sleeve. I would have gained it in the first year, the first months or the third, fifth or tenth year. Garbage in garbage out. If you eat junk and sliders you WILL gain weight just like you do without the sleeve
Like Swizzly, I will NOT be gaining back all my weight lost and ALL THOSE DOCTORS who told us most restriction can't be lost (yes, some naturally will) are wrong??
The tool continues to work WITH ME as I Work my sleeve.